Surface patrol of the Western Division has been boosted with a new 33‑foot aluminum $2,520,000 vessel, named the Dua Lei Rainima that was commissioned by the Minister of Fisheries, Semi Koroilaveisau.
The vessel is powered by a 500 horsepower twin engines that will help surveillance efforts for the Western region, which spans 7,800 square kilometres.
Koroilaveisau says this vast area mirrors the demand for marine resources which to some extent leads to increase in illegal and unregulated fishing practices.
The Minister says it is their hope that through the provision of this new vessel, they will cover areas that are of high risk out at sea and ensure that fishermen comply with the current fishing regulations.
He says as part of their 2022 strategic priorities, they should use this opportunity to engage and work with communities and fishing associations to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance and enforcement of the fisheries regulations.
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